History/Chronology of the VF/VFR Series

Hey folks, as a recent inductee (victim?) into Interceptor ownership, I'm looking for wisdom, and quickly realized that VFRW is the place! A couple of weeks ago I rescued an 83 VF750F from a life of neglect and abuse. I posted in the Gen 1 forums to introduced myself, thanks for the warm welcome. I've always been a fan of the Interceptor line, but have never been motivated to dig into the chronology of the models until now. Is there a specific thread or group of threads here that document the different revisions of our bikes? Or is there another blog or website that does that? I'm interest in the tech specifications (for instance, timing chain vs gears) and model differences as the bike has evolved.
I'm also extremely interested in researching the challenges Honda had with the Gen 1 bikes and what specifically I should be on the lookout for as I attempt to revive my project bike. Thanks folks!

 

If I could suggest, pick up a copy of Julian Ryder's book, Honda's V-Force.

A great read and a must have for the library shelf, IMO.

 

Hey Pops. If you look at the top left of your screen and click on teh "forums" button, then scroll down, you will see the various threads on the different generations. There's also a thread for specifications. You could probably find most of what you're looking for there.

As far as your restoring project goes, be prepared for a few things: 1. The naysaysers that will tell you its a waste of time and money. 2. Having difficultly finding parts. 3. Putting some cash into it. But the bottom line is that its your project, and if you want to do it, fuck what everyone else says.

 

I'm sorry, your fingers were typing but all I heard was "blah blah blah I'm a filthy little whore".

 

okay I almost spit coffee on my screen..... but it is true... Tink is a filthy little whore....

 

Thanks for the quick responses guys, I appreciate it. Useful links and tips, I'm sure I'll be busy reading up for a while! Hopefully over time I'll be welcomed with the same warm enthusiasm I see you guy already share for each other. Truth is, I've been lurking here off and on for a number of months and have already followed a number of builds and resurrections - very impressive. It's obvious there are quite a few of y'all that really know your sh*t, and true to most forums, there are also a few wiseacres that are simply taken with a grain of salt. What really impresses me are the parts exchanges that sometimes happen, often for no more than snack cakes and postage!!!
Back to bikes. Truth be told, if funds weren't a BIG issue in my house, I probably would have sprung for a later model Viffer. But since I'm an official Notoriously Cheap Bastard, I had to go for the Gen 1 advertised locally for 500 bux. Yes, I offered a lot less. Yes, he accepted my first offer. Maybe I should have taken that as a cue to quickly get back in the truck... but I couldn't bear the sight of the bike sitting out in the elements like that. I knew I had to rescue it.
So please bear with me, I'll be back frequently for advice, encouragement, parts and the occasional beer. I've already downloaded the service manual. I think I'll also buy one off eBay...there's nothing quite like thumbing thru grease stained pages...

 

Well if you've been lurking for a few months, you know we also like pictures. This site is kind of like Playboy magazine; we all SAY we're here for the articles.

Make sure you get some before and after pictures too. Post one up now as a matter of fact!

 

Okay, but I'm warning you...

 

+1 on the above.

I'm a big fan of V4s but restoring this bike is a Sisyphean task, IMHO.

 

I do hope this works out of the OP but wow, this bike is a real winter project!

 

That's why I bought it...gotta have something to keep the hands and mind busy. It gets cold here in Virginia!

But seriously folks, what's the best way to "check the cams"? Will a simple visual inspection tell me what I need to know? Do I need to measure the overall "lift" dimension - if so, is that possible without removing the cams?

 

The FSM will help guide you here.

You'll be able to see if there is wear on the surface of the cam lobes. While you have the covers off also check the valve lash. There is plenty of info on VFRW regarding the various techniques for this.

For reference, what you don't want to see is something like this (from a previous thread here covering a VF1000F rebuild)



Good luck!

 

I have a PDF of the 83-85 700/750 FSM on my pc. If someone knows of a place I could down load it for anybody to up load let me know and I'll put it there. It is 37mb.
I have a 83 only FSM and have found a few differences from the 83/85 manual. Just minor ones so far.

The 1983 is different bike in some areas compared to 84/85 that I've found. One being it came with tapered roller bearings in the steering stem. The handle bar switches are different in shape and the right one is wired different. Along with the taillight module box in the back being wired different. Carbs are jetted different. Alt side cover is different. The 83 has the nicer one IMO.

Doesn't look all that bad for a project bike. Total tear down and paint frame, motor etc. Solder the RR wires together instead of having a connector to join them. You'll never have RR problems that way. I have some parts stashed that I might let go if you need something. Let me know.

Good luck and have fun working on it.

Oh yea, SS brake lines are a must with competition pads. Along with a GOOD rear shock like a Fox Twin Clicker. Conti-Go tires work great seeing their is little choice. Stay away from Dunlop 501's. The rear is fine the front sucks the big kahuna on this bike. Which is was one my bike in the photo gallery. So you can see what not to buy.Nothing with a center line groove for one.